With the Fall Semester winding down, many students are sprinting to the finish line. However, with last-minute exams, group projects and research papers thrown at students before final exams even begin, many students may begin to feel overwhelmed — or just burnt out.
To fix this problem, The University of Tennessee has devised several solutions, including offering extended hours in many of its study areas, extra advising centers and additional counseling as needed.
Hodges Library is one of the many facilities open to students that provides quiet areas to study. During exam week, the library will keep all floors open past midnight.
Dean of Libraries Barbara Dewey has heard the students’ demand for extra study space and thus has extended access to the library during exam week.
“The use of Hodges Library during finals time has increased dramatically the last few years,” Dewey said. “During the Spring 2006 finals, we kept the first and second floors of Hodges open 24 hours, but students need more room, and we want to do our best to accommodate them.”
Hodges will keep every floor open beginning Dec. 6 through the end of exam week on Dec. 14. The group study rooms will still be available and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Independent study areas will also remain open, and students may use these if a silent study area is needed. The only closure will be of the special library services, such as the media center and reference assistance.
The Black Cultural Center will also open its doors and allow additional use of the building during extra study hours. The BCC will offer a 48- hour study session from Dec. 6 through Dec. 7.
The University Center will extend hours for more study time only on Monday, Dec. 11. Using a valid student ID, students can enter at the Cumberland Avenue entrance at 10 p.m. and study until 2 a.m.
Other assistance from the university to help students end the semester on a good note is offered by the Student Success Center. The Center offers programs to sharpen skills in time management and academic performance. The Center also gives students tips on how to study and take exams.
The UT Counseling Center will be open for any students who become overwhelmed and feel a panic attack coming on. The Center will continue to stay open during exam week if any student needs someone to talk to one-on-one. It is open from 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day and offers emergency counseling.
In her last year in hospitality management, Amanda Crisp offered tips for surviving the end of the semester.
“I suggest studying with good friends to make it more bearable. You have to be careful because studying with friends can lead to hours of procrastination. And you must always remember that the weekend is almost here, and Winter Break is just around the corner,” she said.
Andrea Prince, junior in social work, said chocolate, caffeine and some divine intervention will assist her as she prepares for her final exams.
“I will drink lots of coffee, have a good box of Godiva Chocolate by my side, and I will say a little prayer to help me get through exams,” she said.
